Top 40 distributor PromoShop (asi/300446) has appointed Katy Alavez to the position of company president.

With the move, current president Memo Kahan, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people, is becoming CEO of the Los Angeles-headquartered company.

Katy Alavez & Memo Kahan, PromoShop

Alavez has been with PromoShop for 17 years, most recently serving as chief operating officer.

“Katy has been an outstanding COO, an amazing advocate to and for our industry, and has transformed the way we support our staff and run our business,” said Kahan. “Without question, she represents us to the highest standards and has an ability to recognize what needs work and who needs love and attention. These qualities are not taught; they are inherent to the persona of a true caring leader.”

Alavez joined PromoShop in 2006 as a sales administrator. She subsequently rose to human resources administrator, human resources manager, and ultimately director of human resources before becoming chief operating officer in 2018. She holds an MBA from California State University, Monterey Bay.

“There is no greater joy than finding people you trust to work side-by-side with on big things," said Alavez. "The team at PromoShop and Memo’s leadership have given me the opportunity to connect with work that is meaningful and learn from the kindest, most dedicated team. I grew up at PromoShop and am humbled, honored, and truly overjoyed to take on this role."

PromoShop, which Kahan founded and owns, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2023. A native of Mexico City who emigrated to the U.S. in his teens, Kahan is one of the few people presiding over a minority-owned business on the Top 40, and works with his team to create award-winning campaigns for other DEI groups.

Based on reported 2022 North American promotional product revenue of $68.2 million, PromoShop ranked 33rd on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry.

Top 40 C-Suite Changes

It’s been a busy stretch for major C-Suite moves in promo.

In mid-December, Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119) announced that CEO/President Ross Silverstein, a Power 50 member, will be retiring, with the firm’s Vice President of Affiliate Sales & Support Lori Bauer taking over the top executive role officially at the end of January.

In November, veteran industry executive Rob Watson was named CEO of Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390). Company founder and longtime President/CEO Ira Neaman, a Power 50 lister, is transitioning to the role of president/executive chairman.

Meanwhile, there’s been ample controversy over the CEO transition at Top 40 supplier Gildan (asi/56842). The vertically-integrated apparel manufacturer’s board ousted company co-founder/CEO Glenn Chamandy and appointed Vince Tyra as CEO this month. Still, there’s been a persistent clamor among some top shareholders in the publicly traded company to reappoint Chamandy.